[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 36 (Friday, March 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E372-E373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING WASHINGTON STATE REPRESENTATIVE SHARON TOMIKO SANTOS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 12, 2010

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Washington State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos for receiving the 
2010 Desjardin Financial Literacy Award.
  The Desjardin Financial Literacy Award, given by the Credit Union 
National Association, annually recognizes one State lawmaker for their 
exemplary leadership and legislative efforts in the field of youth 
financial education.
  Financial literacy is a crucial skill for all to have in today's 
society, from balancing a checkbook to budgeting for retirement. This 
skill allows us to make wise decisions about our finances and our 
financial future. The earlier that our youth attain this knowledge, the 
more successful and prepared they are later in life.
  In Washington State, financial literacy training supports the goals 
of Washington's Basic Education Act. This Act seeks to provide students 
with the skills necessary to ``understand the importance of work and 
finance and how performance, effort, and decisions directly affect 
future career and educational opportunities.''
  Washington State Representative Santos has exemplified the effort to 
provide financial literacy opportunities for our youth statewide since 
being elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 1998. 
Representative Santos led the campaign to establish the Financial 
Education Public Private Partnership (previously the Financial Literacy 
Public Private Partnership) in 2003, as well as to secure public 
funding for the project.
  The Partnership works to increase students' financial education, 
provide financial education information for school districts, and 
provides financial education instructional materials. Additionally, the 
Partnership has grown because of Representative Santos' enduring 
support and her legislative work throughout the years.
  The work of Representative Santos stands as a model for all States in 
the effort to promote fiscal responsibility and literacy. I commend her 
for her efforts and congratulate her again on this tremendous 
achievement.

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